Siege of Gundabad Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

CaptainofDespair invites you to play in his game:

The Siege of Gundabad

[piosenniel]

Basic Storyline:

Some years after the War of the Ring, it has been decided by King Elessar to send a troop of able-bodied soldiers to the Misty Mountains to resolve the situation of the orcs who dwell there. The orcs of Mount Gundabad may be offered alliance, but will probably refuse. In this case, the soldiers have been told to destroy this last orc refuge, but these goblins have plenty of strength left and are willing to fight to the end.

[piosenniel]

The purpose of the story is to: Defeat the Orcs of Gundabad

This means we will know the story is over when: When the orc forces holding Gundabad are either killed or routed from their positions.

[piosenniel]

Starting Location: The makeshift Gondorian camp, outside of Esgaroth.

Likely destination: The Summit of Mt. Gundabad

[piosenniel]

Timeframes:

This game takes place in the Fourth Age at around year 23.

The storyline itself or plot covers 10 days during December 12th to December 22th.

This game requires a time commitment of 10 weeks from the Shire Moderators, the game owner and from the major players.

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Game opened: 10/26

Game closing date: 12/28 (10 weeks)

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS IN GAME

Lieutenant of Gondor- will control the overall host of the Gondorians - played by CaptainofDespair

Players needed for:

2 Gondorian soldiers, male only: (These characters first posts should deal with their march north from Gondor, and their feelings of the mission, considering climate, supplies, etc.)

1.) Soldier of Gondor

2.) Soldier of Gondor

~*~

3 Men of Dale, male and female: (These men/women will be met as the troop of Gondorians marches towards Gundabad. These characters first posts can detail their escape from orc raiding parties that have been ransacking Dale.)

1) Man of Dale

2) Man of Dale

3) Man of Dale

~*~

Players needed for Secondary Characters:


1) Orc Chieftain of Gundabad- will control the host of orcs that have ‘dug in’ to defend Gundabad.

2) Goblin Commander of the Misty Mountains- will control the relief force that arrives to aid the embattled Orcs on Gundabad.

3) Orc Guard of Gundabad

4) Orc Raider Commander- commands the troop of orcs that are roaming the Dale.


Character types which would not belong: Any not listed above

[piosenniel]

CaptainofDespair’s character – the Gondorian Lieutenant

NAME: Uther Kahîr

AGE: By most accounts, he seems to be around 40 years of age.

RACE: Gondorian

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Uther wields the standard of the Army of Gondor, a simple long sword, crafted of the finest steel available to his social standing. Riding north with him, are his two wolf-hound hunting dogs, Ithil and Anor, which he uses as extra bodyguards.

APPEARANCE: As is the custom of soldiers, he wears the uniform armor of the Gondorians he fights for. He wears a steel chainmail cuirass over his torso, fitted with a black surcoat bearing the symbol of the King, the White Tree. He proudly displays a gleaming helm of steel, inlaid with silver, atop his head. His legs and forearms are protected by steel greavse and gauntlets.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Uther is not like most men, nor like most soldiers. He displays some of the greatest traits of a field commander. He always rides forward of his troops, to boost the moral of his men. He is a romantic warrior, fighting on the front lines with the soldiers under his command, hoping to infuse the desire to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

A passion for war burns hot in his blood however, searing his veins with bloodlust. Cruelty is his standard, and both friends and foes alike fear his almost psychotic battle-field rages. He cares not for the survival of those individuals under his command, and willingly throws them into any fray, no matter what the cost. This has awarded him not only honor in taking many a fortified position, but more so a reputation based on fear and dread.

HISTORY: Uther was born into a small family of Gondorian peasant farmers living in an isolated village on the border of Rhûn. He knew not what year he was born in, and thus only counted the years from when he could remember. His early childhood was quite comfortable, and he lived quite contentedly, accustomed to aiding his father in the fields, and tending to what few livestock his family kept. This pattern of life drifted along on its own terms, for many years.

This all changed in when he entered early adulthood. The Dark Lord’s war machine was gearing up for an invasion, and his emissaries had come to prod the Easterlings into assaulting Gondor and her allies. Many of his village’s residents did not wish to take part in a war that they cared not for. Yet Mordor is not easily swayed by the protests of a few paltry farmers and herders. Two months after the village chieftain refused to send his men to war, Orcs came in the night, and they descended upon the village, like carrion birds, and they made an example of the village chieftain. When the morning light arose, the village found its leader dead, with a crude symbol of The Eye carved into his flesh, a warning of what was to come with further insolence. When the Dark Lord’s emissaries returned again, there came no protests, and the men of the village, including Uther’s father, were dragged off to be equipped for war.

For many years, Uther managed the farm with the aid of his mother. Yet, memory does not often fade into oblivion with the passage of time, and the memory of his father lingered. He had not returned from the war that Mordor had waged, no message of his death, yet no signs to prove otherwise. Hate began to grow in his heart, a passionate hatred for Mordor, for Orcs, for any who served The Great Eye. And so, Uther left his home, leaving his mother to care for the family property, and he went West, to Gondor.

The journey to Minas Tirith was taxing, for the road was long, and it reeked with many dangers. But finally, after two months of lonely traveling, at near starvation, the young Uther entered the White City. There, he joined the Guard, and went to fight in The King’s campaigns against the Haradrim, who were still in sustained period of rebellion in the Deep South of Harad. It was in these hot desert lands, that he learned of the cruelty of men, and how it could be used to his advantage. Thus, he adopted the ways of the Haradrim, incorporating their cruel ways into his own, unique fighting style. For many years these campaigns continued, and with each, he found himself attaining a higher, more socially elite rank. At the end of these relatively bloodless campaigns, he had reached a plateau, and settled into a minor administrative position as lieutenant in the Gondorian Army.

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CaptainofDespair’s post ---- FIRST FOR GAME

The wretched cold of the North had harried the small outfit of Gondorian soldiers for many weeks, as they marched through exhaustion to Esgaroth, the last way point for the army, as it prepared to make for Mount Gundabad, last of the major Orc strongholds in the north. Supplies had begun to dwindle, and the soldiers began to hope to arrive in the Dale soon, to replenish what they could before their confrontation. Yet, it was not food and water that the troops hungered for most, it was woolen cloth, and fur, to give them much needed warmth, so that they could fight, and not become mere statues in an endless waste of snow and ice.

This host’s commander was a brutally effective combat leader. With many of Gondor’s more able northern commanders unavailable due to the winter storms that were common in the barrens that formed during the blight of winter, Uther was summoned by King Elessar to remove the Orc threat of Gundabad. He was given a mandate; return to Gondor with an alliance, no matter how tenuous, or return with the head of the Orc chieftain. The aging Easterner knew better, for he had many dealings with the Orcs in the past. They would never submit to the strict stipulations of the King. Yet, on his honor, he was forced to at least offer the terms to his enemies, in hopes of them accepting them. His only real option, was to attempt to defeat the Orcs, on their ground. He did not like this, but he knew it must be done.

The actual size of the force that was put under Uther’s command was quite small, and was not wholly equipped to a siege of a mountain fortress. He had only managed to gather enough equipment to construct either a single battering ram, or build two or three light anti-personnel ballistas. With only sixty-five soldiers under his command, and countless orcs holding the well fortified, and easily defendable Mt. Gundabad, the prospects of a direct assault were slimmed to almost nothing. And to counteract any plans of his, the supply line had been thinned to nothing. He would get no reinforcements. His last bastion of hope was Esgaroth, where his army was now camping. Hopefully, with a little monetary incentive, he could obtain enough supplies to last a few extra weeks, should the siege drag on that long.

The troops under his command, though embattled by the elements, and beleaguered by the fear of both the stout Orcs they would face, and of their commander, remained surprisingly hopeful that at least a sizeable number of them would survive. Their hastily constructed camp was enough to hold off the brunt of the winter chill for now, but it was not suitable for the comfortable living many of them were accustomed to back home in Gondor.

Yet, with all the climatic hardships that were now set upon the Gondorians, they persisted. Uther had always been a driven, single-minded man when it came to war, and so he brushed aside the chill conditions, and prepared himself to face his enemy. His mind was set upon victory, and he was numb to the price he might pay to achieve that goal. But for now, he was content to plan his assault upon the battlements of Gundabad.

The aging commander had laid out a multitude of rudimentary maps, siege warfare doctrine papers, scout reports, and numerous other reports gathered from locals who had experienced either the Orc threat, or the terrain near the Mountain. He sat alone in a hastily constructed field command tent, with only his two hounds for companionship. But this was the way he preferred it. He did not always enjoy the company of his men, for many were brutes, or of the poor peasant class, and he did not wish to indulge their high hopes that war brought all men closer, no matter where they came from. But he was one of them, and that is what frightened him most, that he had risen through the ranks from that distant past, to a higher standing. His past was a burden to him, and he kept it to himself as much as possible. Thus, he kept to himself, so as not to reveal such matters to those who should not be privy to such knowledge. He had been like this ever since he came to Gondor, and joined the army. And now he only continued his lie of a life, pretending to be something he wasn’t, for the sake of vanity. And now he was yet again and scheming away, cooped up in his tent like a hermit.

[piosenniel]

Game Outline:

Day 1: Beginning posts within camp/set out for Dale

Day 2: Gondorian host reaches Dale, comes across a burned out village

Day 3: Host comes across fleeing Men of Dale

Day 4: Host attacked by Orc Raiders (raiders will either be killed entirely, or remnants may retreat to Gundabad)

Day 5,6: March to Gundabad, Goblin relief force nears the Mountain from the West.

Day 7: Arrive at Gundabad, set camp.

Day 8: Parley with Orc Chieftain, Scouts locate Goblin host.

Day 9: Gondorian camp attacked by Goblin relief force.

Day 10: The assault on the battlements, final stand of orcs.

[piosenniel]

Please use this form for creating your character to post on the discussion thread.

1.) It is a requirement that all potential game players in the Shire will have posted in The Green Dragon Inn or have played to completion an RPG on the Barrow Downs.

2.) Those who have not played before in a Shire RPG will be given preference. Final preference, though, will be at the discretion of the Game Owner.

_______________________________________


Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

GENDER:

WEAPONS (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armor only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.):

APPEARANCE:

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only):

HISTORY:

__________________________________


First post:


This is a requirement for this game. Character Descriptions without a First Post attached will be sent back to the writer. They may be submitted again, once there is a First Post to go with them.

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS NEEDED:

2 Gondorian soldiers, male only:

First posts: These characters first posts should deal with their march north from Gondor, and their feelings of the mission, considering climate, supplies, etc.

• 1.) Soldier of Gondor
  
• 2.) Soldier of Gondor

~*~

3 Men of Dale, male and female: These men/women will be met as the troop of Gondorians marches towards Gundabad.

First posts: These characters first posts can detail their escape from orc raiding parties that have been ransacking Dale.

• 1) Man of Dale
  
• 2) Man of Dale
  
• 3) Man of Dale

~*~

Secondary Characters:

• 1) Orc Chieftain of Gundabad- will control the host of orcs that have ‘dug in’ to defend Gundabad.
  
  
• 2) Goblin Commander of the Misty Mountains- will control the relief force that arrives to aid the embattled Orcs on Gundabad.
  
  
• 3) Orc Guard of Gundabad
  
  
• 4) Orc Raider Commander- commands the troop of orcs that are roaming the Dale.

[piosenniel]

The Discussion Thread is now open to take on players.

[piosenniel]

Please Note:

Each Character Description submitted MUST be accompanied by a First Post for the character, or they will be returned.

[Beserker_Warrior]

1.) NO

2.)0

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO
_______________________________________

NAME: Snagar

AGE: 500

RACE: Orc

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS Sword(steel), dagger, typical orkish shield, steel armor
APPEARANCE:5' 6", stands tall, muscular

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: strong, wise(for an orc), fast but qauils under sunlight

HISTORY: Snagar was born in the hills of Gundabad and he made his way to the top by being cruel, stabbing people in the back and by having an iron fist.

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Beserker_Warrior's post

Snagar stood on the hill above the trench. He could smell men on their way here. His soldiers would be ready, they were below in the trenches, waiting. His men would feast on manflesh soon. He was their leader, the one that they trusted but feared, he would keep them in line and reward them with fresh meat.

Snagar turned and walked down to the trench. "You and you ,up to the hill you maggots!" Snagar needed to keep lookouts on the hill to watch for any one who might be headed in this direction. They went without complaint or any sign of unwillingness, to have done so would have been death. Inwardly Snagar smiled, his force was the one who would have all the spoils and all the glory and a realm of their own. Snagar could even be called the king. That was what he really wanted, anything that he could get for himself, as is the nature of all orcs. Snagar remembered the days of living in the hills before and after Sauron was defeated, he and his tribe had been an advance guard for Mordor, but nothing had ever happened until the defeat of the Great Eye and the Wraiths.

[Boromir88]

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs?
Yes, Ungoliant's Children.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?
One, Ungoliant's Children.

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn
Yes.

CHARACTER:

Name: Sjorging Hard-Heart.

Age: 62

Race: Man of Dale

Gender: Male

Weapons: A great-hilted Longsword and an Ash hunting knife.

Appearance: Tall, good build. Wears a Sturdy leather jerkin and underneath a ringmail cuirass, along with leather leggings and boots.

Personality: Proven in battle and a loyal soldier. Trustworthy, but his nickname "Hard-heart" has been given, since he truly has a hard heart. He is one who doesn't give respect, if you don't give it back, and it's very hard to earn Sjorging's respect at times. However, he is a trusty companion, if you are one lucky enough to have his respect. Sjorging also trusts the Dwarves of Erebor, for as he believes, they have proven themselves to stand tall in the face of Evil.

History: Son of Bergon and knows the taste of battle. He is willing to join in any fray, whether it concerns him or not. He fought under King Brand, when Sauron's army laid siege to Erebor. His real name is Sjorging, but has been given the nickname "Hard-Heart," since he isn't one to get emotional, and rarely trusts anyone he doesn't know. He listens to no one except King Bard II, or the officers above him, and despises the sight of orcs, his only glory in seeing an orc is seeing a dead one. Sjorging was greatly saddened when he witnessed the fall of King Brand and King Dain, pledging to never die until all orcs, or evil men alike, had been destroyed.

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Boromir88's post

It's a soundless night, the fire is blazing outside the tent Sjorging has pitched, on the outskirts of the settlement ahead. He sits on a log, staring into the roaring fire, remembering, thinking of the situation at hand. His home in Dale, along with the rest of the town, had been overrun by marauding orcs. They were greatly outnumbered and had no choice, but to flee. He has gathered a few of his trusty companions to discuss what had just happened two nights ago, and what will happen.

"We don't have enough men here to make a suitable defense for these raiding orcs," says a tall, bearded man opposite of Sjorging. His name was Gelding. Gelding and Sjorging go back a long way, they had fought side-by-side against Sauron's forces.

'I thought this evil had been defeated a long time ago, they have said Sauron was defeated, and this new King Elessar was restoring order?" states another man sitting next to Gelding, he was Beluf, a member of the town that was overrun some two nights ago.

"Nay," says Sjorging, "Sauron has been defeated, but we are still a long way away from peace and order. There are still orcs occupying Gundabad, has anyone sent word to King Bard?"

"Yes," answers Beluf, "but we are greatly weakened by the war. I fear we are too weak, and Bard doesn't have enough men to come to aid."

"Our scouts report that King Elessar has sent out a force from Gondor to dispose the orcs of Gundabad for good." says Gelding. "But, we don't know when they'll arrive."

"Probably won't arrive in time at all." spouts Sjorging. Word had spread of King Elessar's greatness, and of the coming times of peace. But, Sjorging was doubtful with this recent threat of orcs raiding Dale. To him, he wasn't convinced until he saw the Gondor force himself. Until that time Sjorging, and his companions would fight on.

[Firefoot]

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? Yes, Bloodstained Elanor and Seekers of Truth.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? None

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn? Yes.

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NAME: Adranel

AGE: 22

RACE: Man of Dale

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Adranel has a short knife, not really meant as a weapon but for simpler tasks (e.g. cutting cloth, leather, string). She also has a short bow and a quiver of arrows that she learned to use as a girl, but she hasn’t used them for a long time.

APPEARANCE: Adranel is slim and stands around 5'5" tall. She has brownish-blonde hair that is cut about half-way down her back. Her eyes are blue-gray. Due to the cold weather she dresses in heavy skirts, but given the choice she would wear breeches like the men do.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Adranel has always been somewhat of a tom-boy, largely because of the influence of her two older brothers. When she was younger she would go hiking and hunting with them, and they taught her to ride horses (astride, of course), shoot a bow, and other wood-craft. Adranel is also very stubborn, and does her own thing. She won’t back down from a challenge, and if she sets her mind on doing or getting something, she won’t be persuaded otherwise. If someone tries to force her into something, she probably won’t do it. She isn’t really a leader, but she isn’t a follower either. Unfortunately for her, she lacks some common sense and intelligence, and can be forgetful, though she does have a strong intuition.

Once she gets to know a person, she is very kind. Until then, she can be very cool and unfriendly. First impressions of people matter a lot to her, and once she makes up her mind, she doesn’t change it readily. She is very protective, especially of her family.

HISTORY: Adranel has lived in her little village outside Dale all her life. She has two older brothers, whom she admires very much, a younger brother, and a younger sister. She was forced to grow up at the age of 13 when her mother died and she was left with the responsibilities of running the house and taking care of her younger siblings, ages 8 and 10. Adranel is engaged to be married in the spring to a man named Hergon.

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Firefoot's post:

Adranel looked out vacantly from her vantage point on the hill overlooking what had once been her village. The snow was no longer white. It was bloodstained by the people of her village and charred by the ashes of their houses. Night was falling, and it was getting cold. Adranel did not have a cloak, but she did not care if she froze. Nothing mattered, because they were gone. Everyone she knew and loved was dead or taken by the Orcs, the latter perhaps the crueler fate than the former. She tried to block away the horrible memories, but still they came back...

It had been a cold, crisp winter’s day. Adranel was alone in the house, for her younger siblings were off with friends and her father and older brothers were working in their small store. She was alerted by raucous cries, cruel laughter, and the ringing of metal on metal. Adranel, like every other person in the village, had hurried outside to see what was happening, though in her heart she knew that it was Orcs. She grabbed her bow without thinking about it, strangely enough since she had long since lost the habit.

Outside, the smell of smoke was thick in the air. The village was burning. She had to find her family and get away - it was the only way to survive. Oh, where could they be? Finally, she found her father on the other side of town. He was wielding a long hunting knife, undoubtedly the only weapon he could find in a hurry. She was about to call out to him when an Orc came from behind and swung its sword through her father’s neck. She stifled a scream and turned and fled, tears streaming down her face. In her haste she nearly passed the body of her fiancé Hergon. A black-feathered arrow shaft was sticking out of his blood-soaked chest. No, no, no, she thought. She knelt down beside him, and found him to still be alive. He opened his eyes at her touch, and the corners of his mouth turned upward.

“Adranel,” he murmured. His breathing sounded labored. Adranel took his hand in hers. “Get away from here, my love. Save your own life, for me. Let me know you are safe.” He closed his eyes again, and Adranel knew he was gone. She rose to her feet, sobs wracking her body. He couldn’t be dead; it wasn’t possible. Surely someone lived. Where were her brothers and sister? She did not know or care where her feet took her now. She ran blindly, her tears blurring her vision. She left the village, left the screams of women and children, left death behind her. Only it would never be gone, because she would never forget...

A lump rose in her throat once more. She had thought she had cried her tears away, but more came. Adranel turned away from the bloody wreckage of the village, for she could not bear to see it any longer. Hergon’s final words tugged at her heart. Let me know you are safe. These words were the only things that gave her will to live, because nothing mattered any more. They were gone. All of them were gone.

[Witch_Queen]

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES
A land of their own

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?
One
List them, please:
Ungoliant's Children

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Mordred Curreng

AGE: 23

RACE: Gondorian Soldier

GENDER:Male

WEAPONS: Carries a long sword with brown hilt and long silver blade. On his side he carries a short bronze dagger that his father gave him.

APPEARANCE: He wears silver armor that covers his body. Despite the fact that he is so young he keeps his beard trimmed short. He has hazel eyes and Nutmeg colored hair down to his shoulders.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Trustworthy and lives up to his fathers expectations. Fears that he will die in combat at the hands of his enemies. Mordred trusts his King and leader and deep down knows that he will prove loyal no matter the conditions of battle.

HISTORY: Mordred has been a soldier for about three years. He grew up in a "soldiers'" family. His father and brothers are all soldiers and wants to prove himself to his family.

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Witch_Queen's post

Mordred could barely feel his feet. The snow was cold and he longed for a chance to be by a fire. According to the rest of his conrads the supplies were diminishing. Mordred was eager to meet his enemies head on. There was nothing more he wanted to do. Mordred had no doubt that Lieutenant Uther would come through for his men. All he wanted was for the snow to be gone with the orcs. Mordred found that he could talk to only one person, that one person being himself. The others thought him to be crazy, but he found himself lonely alot and thought about what the others were thinking. Soon after he began thinking, he figured it took too much of his needed energy.

After weeks of marching all he really wanted out of everything was to lay in an actual bed. He often thought about his wife and young son. He knew in the future that his son would be in the same spot as he was if the orcs weren't taken care of. Mordred had only talked to Lieutenant Uther a couple of times and thought Uther was a very brave man. He never saw the Lieutenant without his dogs. Mordred figured the dogs refused to leave Uther just like Uther's men wouldn't abandon him. Mordred kept to himself alot because the other men were always talking about what they were going to do when the "battle" was over. He wasn't as experienced as the others and knew they thought him as still a "child." Mordred felt like he was back at home. He was the youngest of all his brothers and sisters and yet again he knew he was the youngest one in the group.

[piosenniel]

Please Note:

As people put their submissions on the thread, I am editing the tagline for their First Post to make it easier to transfer to the RPG thread once the character has been accepted by CaptainofDespair.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[CaptainofDespair]

Well, these are all very nice submissions.

So without further delay; Welcome aboard, Witch_Queen, Firefoot, Boromir88, and Beserker_Warrior! I look forward to working with you all.

[Novnarwen]

Hello!

This looks really great!

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES
Hunt for the Dragon, Corsairs and Corsets, Breelanders All, Setting Sails for Valinor, Flight from Rohan, Search for Rhûn, Defense of the Poros and Land of Darkness.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? None

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES

Name - Ingemar

Age - 47

Gender: Male

Weapons - None.

Race - Man (of Dale)

Appearance - Ingemar is a shabby looking man. He is dressed in rags; a beige coloured tunic with brown loose trousers reaching down to his ankles, tied there. The tunic is torn several places, and he truly gives the impression of being a beggar. On his feet, he wears a pair of well used boots.

By the look of him, one would maybe get the impression that Ingemar was a mad-man, which ordinary people from Dale are ‘correct’ in assuming. His face bears the features of a poor man as well. He looks both tired and lost. Amongst the wrinkles in his face, the first thing one notice is his eyes. They are green, or grey; the colour is difficult to make out. They look rather empty, expressionless, not reflecting happiness or sadness. Sometimes they give him the look of a wild man though. Other than that, he doesn't have any other particular features. He has a half-long nose, somewhat high cheekbones, thin, weakly red lips and a silvery beard. His long hair is a mixture between grey and brown; it’s both filthy and greasy.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses - From early childhood, Ingemar has been almost by himself. It's due to him being retarded, his 'deformity'. He's never been accepted as an equal, and instead of helping him, he as been set aside by family and society. This, naturally, has affected him in numerous ways.

The fact that he never speaks to anyone than himself, (or never sees anyone else for that matter,) is mainly the reason why Ingemar hasn't developed a complete language. He makes mostly noises; he tries mimicking. When wanting to say for example the word 'bird', he mimics the bird-song he hears every morning he wakes up. He knows who is making the sound; he just doesn't know what they are called. When he needs words to express himself, he also makes up new words, which he usually forgets after some time. (Ingemar has a very short memory..)

Ingemar has, through his simple way of living; in a cottage at the outskirts of Dale, developed a true love for all living things surrounding him. Birds are his favourite, of course. Other than that, he enjoys picking flowers. He loves the smell of them. Ingemar also enjoys climbing trees, every time higher than last time. If he is in a good mood, he settles himself on one of the top branches and watch over Dale, like a herdsman watches his herd.

Ingemar is a kind, loving and tolerant person. He's never had much contact with others, only his sister, who brings him food. Even though he is quite old, he is but 4-7 years in mind. He sees the world through a child's eyes.

History - Ingemar was born into a quite prosperous family. However, as soon as his parents discovered his 'deformity', he was left alone in a little cottage they built him at the outskirts of Dale. In the beginning, his parents visited him often, but as the years passed and Ingemar's sister was born, their visits stopped. After this, he was left to himself; forgotten, or ignored, by the society.

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Novnarwen's post

He washed, the cold water making him giggle. Roughly, he was rubbing his face, trying to wipe away the dirt. His sister had taught him this. It was like magic, he thought, seeing how within seconds the dirt was gone from his face and he was clean. Watching himself in the mirror, he grabbed the kitchen knife. The brown-grey hair was growing out of his face again, something he found very frustrating. He took a hold of his beard with his left hand, and held the knife in his right. With a sudden movement, he had cut of most of his beard, leaving it uneven. It was burning with pain; his cheek. Red liquid started to run down from his chin, and onto his stubbles. Bending, he plunged his face into his little wash-tub. When rising, he looked satisfyingly into the mirror. After a few seconds however, something red was again running from his chin. Sighing, being rather frustrated, he turned quickly towards the door.

The weather was cold, but pleasant. The sun was casting long beams over the landscape. A thick white carpet was covering what once had been green fields. He frowned. When touching it, his fingers froze. When tasting it, his throat went cold and numb. He dropped dead. He looked down at his feet, pained by the coldness of the snow. He went hurriedly inside, finding his boots. He pulled them on, went for the door and slipped outside again.

He giggled to himself and called out. “Aeeeeeeeeeeieeeeeeeeeeia!” He held his hands in the air, running around and at last casting himself to the ground. The snow was piercing through his thin clothing, making him shiver with cold. He did not care though. The feeling of lying here was too great for him to abandon so quickly. He lay still, taking in the fresh winter air.

For a while, he lay motionless on the ground. At last he could not take it anymore; his teeth chattered, his legs were stiffening and his lips were turning blue. His whole body was trembling. Rising, he heard the sound of heavy boots. Being alarmed, yet not afraid, he looked desperately around. Who was coming at this hour? His sister! His sister! He was about to get up, but then he spotted several figures approaching his cottage. They didn’t at all look like his sister, or any other he had ever met. Not daring to move, he watched them. They were many. He giggled, wanting to run towards them, but his body was stiff, his limbs were numb.

It didn’t take long, before they took their leave again; their heavy boots echoing. Dragging himself forth, he suddenly discovered smoke. His cottage was hid behind a mixture of colours; orange, red and yellow. Slowly, he was drawn by the heat coming from it. He laughed merrily, feeling better at once. After a few hours, his cottage had disappeared; the ground where his cottage had stood was black; just like magic he thought.

***

I hope this was to your satisfiaction.

I will make a few edits later, or tomorrow, but now I have to run!

Cheers,
Nova

[Boromir88]

I have a question, are we taking carry-alongs with our character?

[CaptainofDespair]

Ah, I was waiting for you Nova! Welcome Aboard!

As for any carry-alongs, I suppose a few are acceptable. As long as you don't go overboard on the number, a few here and there could be fine.

[piosenniel]

Note on carry-alongs

Please submit a character bio for your carry-along to the Discussion Thread so the game owner and moderator can take a look at it. No post for the carry-along is needed.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Alaksoron]

This game looks great. I would like to portray a soldier of Gondor, so here is my character bio. Hope you like!

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?
Yes, Wilderness, Weathertop and Wild Things

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?
1

List them, please: Wilderness, Weathertop and Wild Things

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Barak

AGE: 40

RACE: Men (Gondorian)

GENDER: male

WEAPONS: Barak carries a double-edged broadsword and a round oaken shield as well as a good yew bow. He also carries a hunting knife. His warhorse, Kane, could also be considered a weapon. His fists are also potent weapons.

APPEARANCE: He is short and stocky, with a scraggly black beard and a wide nose. He dresses in drab brown coat and trousers and thick leather boots. He wears a sturdy mail jacket and steel-backed gauntlets when in battle.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: He is stubborn and has a wild temper. When in battle, he is berserker. He can be rude. Despite all this, he believes very firmly in justice. He is also a staunch supporter of King Elessar. Despite his heavy build, he is surprisingly stealthy. He is unusually strong and a very good shot with his bow. He is not very quick on his feet or agile. He tends to think things through before he acts, which some people interpret as being slow, but he is not. He is actually very intelligent.

HISTORY: He was raised on a simple farm and was one of five children, all boys. He was a rowdy boy who liked to play at war. He possessed a natural leadership even at a young age, and grew up to join the Gondorian military. He is a devoted career soldier of Gondor.

__________________________________


First post:


This is a requirement for this game. Character Descriptions without a First Post attached will be sent back to the writer. They may be submitted again, once there is a First Post to go with them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alasoron's post

Huddling over a meager fire, Barak pulled his cloak closer against the biting wind. It was warmer in Gondor. He had lost count of how long they had been on the march. Surely it had been weeks. Though he was beginning to lose faith in his commander, he could never doubt King Elessar.

Uther Kahir was wild and often psychotic, but he was just the type of single-minded, agressive field officer needed for this type of mission. Not that Lieutenant Uther was the type to disclose information unneccesarily, but Barak knew something of what was going on.

They had been sent to siege and destroy the Orc/Goblin stronghold on Mt. Gundabad. King Elessar had ordered diplomatic efforts first, though he must have known it was hopeless. It would end in battle, and slaughter. Which was fine with Barak.

[Boromir88]

Carry alongs.

Name: Gelding

Age: 57

Race: Man of Dale

Gender: Male

Info: Gelding carries a steel broadsword and yew bow. He carries no armor except the small round shield. During the winter months he will wear fur clothing, that he probably made from killing wild animals around his home, to keep warm. He has been Sjorging's closest friend and fought together against Sauron. Gelding suffered a neck injury, which still limits him in battle at times, but he still enjoys the competition with Sjorging.

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Name: Beluf

Age: 29

Race: Man of Dale

Gender: Male

Info: Beluf is still relatively young, and has only fought in the small skirmishes (or more like slaughters) against the raiding orcs. He escaped from the recent raid, along with Sjorging and Gelding. In his small town he was the local Blacksmith, and carries a gold hilted longsword, which he crafted himself. Along with a small hatchet he uses for chopping wood, or various other reasons. Beluf is a below average fighter, but what he lacks in fighting, he makes up with his determination, and heart, to kill anything that threatens his people.

[CaptainofDespair]

Very nice, Alaksoron! Welcome to SoG!

Boromir88- Your carry-alongs are deemed worthy. Let's see if they can survive the Orcs.

Now, let's get those other spots filled up, so we may get this rolling along.

[Sarin Mithrilanger]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES - Which one? The Land Of Darkness.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? Zero.

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES.
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME:Ugwakh the Slobberer

AGE: 200

RACE: Orc

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Orc Scimitar, two daggers.

APPEARANCE: Disgusting scars mark his face, as does the rather twisted and sadistic expression.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: While he is resourceful and hurls himself at his enemies as though he cared not fot his own life, he is deathly afraid of the Elves.

HISTORY: After being severly beaten after snatching food off from his commander he was left with the scars he now carries. While most would have fought back he knew that would be his undoing. Now he waits for his chances and has learned from his mistakes. He has become even more cunning and has taken to the shadows to win his battles. When he can get the oppritunity he strikes from the shadows.

__________________________________


Sarin Mithrilanger's post

"Get yer weapons and get moving," the commander was always yelling and making sure everything went as planned. They had been waiting here for what seemed like an eternity and it seemed they would be waiting even longer. Ugwakh stayed in his chair sharpening his swords and occasionally tearing into his small helping of mutton. He had the wonderful duty of watching after the goblins making and stringing the bows.

Why am I still punished for food! He thought angerily as he supervised these wretched vermin who did not deserve to do battle along side of him. They were only useful with bows and were useless when the enemy came nearer. He only wanted to do battle again....and taste his enemies' blood once more.

[Umwë]

Orc Raider Commander

This game looks nice. I would like to play Orc Raider Commander!
Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?
No

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?
0

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Grokgash the Skullcleaver

AGE: 180

RACE: Orc

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Grokgash carries a scimitar marked with mystic runes. He has a shield, fastened on his back with an old leather belt. Hidden in his left boot, he carries a small hunting knife.

APPEARANCE: He is quite tall and strong. His strong appearance makes him become the perfect leadertype. He has a scar crossing his right eye. His black shoulderlong hair is tousled and his red/gray eyes was sharp as an eagles. He was a respected leader and the other orcs followed him.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: For the most he is screaming at his soldiers that he has in command. He can be rude, and he often uses mean nicknames at his soldiers. He is totally merciless to humans. His strong side is his physical strength. He can wrestle against three orcs if it's needed and beat them. But sometimes he can lose control of his temper. That makes the other orcs mad and they sometimes tries to stand up to him. He also has a small defect in his back that he got when a human slashed him from behind. He always takes that as an example for his soldiers how evil and cowardly the race of men are. So cowardly that their only chance of killing him, would be a stab in the back.

HISTORY: He was thought how to fight, and he learned how to wield a weapon. By his strong charisma and physical strenght he was set up as an commander of a few raiders.

__________________________________

Umwë's post

The cold chilly wind didn't scare Grokgash. He sniffed, but couldn't smell anything else than the tempting smell of man flesh that was getting fried over the open fireplace. "Come on you slugs!!" he screamed. "How long should it take for you idiots to get me some food!?" He heard a mumbleing voice behind him. He swiftly turned around and looked angrily at the orc that stood behind him.

"What did you say?!" he hissed to the orc.

"Ehhr, nothing, master, nothing!" the orc said with a low voice.

"Good! Now, get me some food, I am starving here!" Grokgash continued.

He knew that the humans were out there somewhere. He shook of anger when a small orc came shuddering towards him handing him a plate of meat. Grokgash snatched the plate from him and snarled to the orc.

The orc made a screaming sound and turned around and walked away. "Finally!" he said loudly for himself. While he was enjoying the nice meat, another orc came and tapped on his shoulder.

"What now?" Grokgash said without turning around.

"The men are close now, master!" the orc whispered in his ear.

He sighed loudly and rose up from the rock that he was sitting on. "Okay you slugs! These men should not be too hard for you morons! Move it!" he shouted and swung his scimitar in the air. His warcry made the orc's braver and confident. They all rose up and started to swing their spears and scimitars.

[CaptainofDespair]

Welcome aboard Sarin and Umwe! Tis good to have two more solid Orc characters.

[Umwë]

*Bows* Thank you most kindly! It sounds like a fun game, just can't wait for it to start

[Sarin Mithrilanger]

Well thank you for your hospitality CoD. It's nice to see you having your very own game!

[Soredamor]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – No.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? None.

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – Yes.


Name: Grûglach
Age: either too young or too old
Gender: Male
Race: Orc of the Misty Mountains

Weapons: Fond of anything that makes things messy, Grûglach has a particular love for a large barbed hook, placed on a crude wooden handle, a weapon for which he wishes to someday be known. He also carries a large hunting knife, which he keeps finely sharpened to an obsessive extent, as well as a simple short-axe. He will use anything at hand if he deems it worthy to be stained with his enemy’s blood. In most cases, he has little preference.

Appearance: Rather short, even by goblin standards, with large round eyes and a scrawny stature appropriate to the environment found deep beneath the Misty Mountains where his people dwell. His lean muscles are very strong and nimble, and he relies more on his speed and agility than his bodily strength. He is missing two fingers on his right hand, his middle and ring finger, the loss of which forced him to wield weapons in his left hand. He has adjusted quite well to this change, as he was forced to adapt. Though he is of typical goblin appearance, his eyes are greener than most.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: Grûglach has always been a winner. His skills lie largely in the art of war, but his mind does not completely lack. He has an excellent memory and a way with words that makes him seem more of an intellectual than he truly is. He has a certain ability to make quick decisions, and a certain luck that those made are good decisions. He has a certain amount of pride that makes him insolent to those who stand above him, and cruel to those who stand below him. He is always ready to turn a blind eye to what he does not wish to see, as his pride does not allow for failure or for him to be wrong. Grûglach is quick to hate, and this hate, as well as his pride, gives him a certain kind of bravery that makes him an excellent warrior, but he fights for himself. He is not prepared to sacrifice his life for any cause or any master.

History: Through his skill and his fervor in fighting his enemy, Grûglach made his way to a high rank. Perhaps even partially because of his insolence, the Goblin King took a certain liking to him and ensured that Grûglach be kept in some kind of important position. But the King had never had Grûglach under his direct command. For this most likely undeserved special treatment, he is not a popular fellow. His position keeps him protected from this unpopularity of becoming anything of a problem, when close enough to the Misty Mountains that the Goblin King that resides in them has jurisdiction over his subjects. Still, though grudgingly by most, a reputation has been given him, and one that is not at all completely a bad one, particularly not by Grûglach’s standards.

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Soredamor's post

Hearing a disgruntled mutter as the goblin trooper turned his back to his Captain, Grûglach growled. The trooper sped up a bit, though he tried not to show his fear. He tried, but he did a poor job of it. The Captain observed this with a smirk. He was proud of how he kept his troops in line, and he enjoyed watching those retreating backs, fear apparent in the swiftness of their pace and their posture, their backs more hunched than usual. Under Grûglach’s eye, he intended them all to cower. He watched the back of the retreating goblin, trying to burn a hole in his back and stir him to running in his fright, but he soon tired of it. It never took Grûglach long to realize he was wasting his time with these creatures.

The fall of Sauron had made the Captain more reliant on himself than ever, and he felt he was wasting time if any of it was spent on anyone else. There were times when it sickened him that he was forced to show some kind of façade of loyalty to be in a secure position, but he realized that it benefited him to remain in his position among the goblins of the Misty Mountains, and that he would not find any benefit elsewhere. But it was one of those times, at that moment, when his disgust took him just slightly over the edge. And the approach of a sniveling lieutenant pushed him a little farther.

“Captain Grûglach, sir?”

The lieutenant, Gorurk, said everything as a question, most likely in fear of being wrong. Grûglach was revolted by this behavior, but he did not hesitate to encourage it by so often telling him how wrong he was. Gorurk waited for his Captain to answer, but Grûglach liked to make people wait. He hated to waste his own time, but he had no qualms about wasting others’. Finally the lieutenant understood that he would not receive acknowledgement, and he continued, his voice now shaking. It was always astounding what a little silence could do.

“There is word from Gundabad...it’s…not very good…”

“Really?” Grûglach spoke with mock surprise. He fooled Gorurk.

“Well…yes, sir… I always tell the truth to you, sir…”

“I’m sure you do, Gorurk.” The Captain said, almost soothingly, but so very contemptuously. “So tell me the truth, and tell me what word has come from Gundabad.”

“There is to be an attack. They say it will be the final attack. They say they will get rid of all that served the Master. Gorurk always praised the Master’s name. They say…”

“I have heard enough of what they say, and more than enough of what you say, Gorurk. We will wait for orders.” Then Grûglach would see if he would follow those orders.

[Alaksoron]

Thank you for accepting me. I look forward to playing with you people.

When is this game scheduled to begin? and is my character allowed to have carry-alongs?

[Boromir88]

Welcome to the barrowdowns Sore, looks good to me, but of course it's not up to me. All the first posts looks like good ones, and I'm anxious to get this going. I can't wait to start the action .

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS/PLAYERS

Gondorian soldiers

• 1.) Soldier of Gondor - Mordred Curreng – Witch_Queen
  
• 2.) Soldier of Gondor - Barak - Alaksoron

~*~

Men of Dale

• 1) Woman of Dale – Adranel – Firefoot
  
• 2) Man of Dale - Sjorging Hard-Heart – Boromir88
  -- Carry-along characters: Gelding; Beluf
  
• 3) Man of Dale- Ingemar – Novnarwen

~*~

Evil Contingent

• 1) Orc Chieftain of Gundabad – Snagar – Beserker_Warrior
  
  
• 2) Goblin Commander of the Misty Mountains - Grûglach - Soredamor
  
  
• 3) Orc Guard of Gundabad - Ugwakh, the Slobberer - Sarin Mithrilanger
  
  
• 4) Orc Raider Commander - Grokgash, the Skullcleaver - Umwë

[piosenniel]

CaptainofDespair

It looks like you have your crew now.

Please decide on the order for the first posts and put the list on the discussion thread by Player Name.

I'll transfer them over, then, and open the game for you.

~*~ Pio Game Mod

[CaptainofDespair]

Hmm. I suppose it shall go in this order.

CaptainofDespair
Alaksoron
Witch_Queen
Soredamor
Umwe
Boromir88
Firefoot
Novnarwen
Beserker_Warrior
Sarin Mithrilanger

[piosenniel]

The Game is now open for play. Have fun!

Please remember to remove your signature from ALL posts to the RPG Thread, including SAVES.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator


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Game Outline:

Day 1: Beginning posts within camp/set out for Dale

Day 2: Gondorian host reaches Dale, comes across a burned out village

Day 3: Host comes across fleeing Men of Dale

Day 4: Host attacked by Orc Raiders (raiders will either be killed entirely, or remnants may retreat to Gundabad)

Day 5,6: March to Gundabad, Goblin relief force nears the Mountain from the West.

Day 7: Arrive at Gundabad, set camp.

Day 8: Parley with Orc Chieftain, Scouts locate Goblin host.

Day 9: Gondorian camp attacked by Goblin relief force.

Day 10: The assault on the battlements, final stand of orcs.

[Boromir88]

Captain, I don't know how you plan on setting this up, so I'm just going to ask you, that way I can get some ideas on what to post about. Were you planning on having the Men of Dale join Gondor Soldiers for the siege/fight part?

[CaptainofDespair]

Aye, I was going to have the Men of Dale, who are fleeing their villages, meet up with the Army of Gondor. Until then, the Men of Dale can focus on their plight, without supplies, lost in the cold, being hunted by the Orcs raiding the area, or any number of similar ideas. Also, the Men of Dale should try to meet up with each other somehow.

[Firefoot]

I put up a post for Adranel - it's night where she is. If there is a problem with that I can edit the time of day.